A PRINTING assistant narrowly escaped a prison sentence for assaulting the landlord of a Ledbury pub after a drinking binge.

Mark David Toman, of New Street, Ledbury, celebrated playing the last football match of the season by drinking ten pints of lager and 'lots of shorts' before he and his girlfriend finished up at The Bull on May 4.

The couple were still drinking when landlord Gary Jameson called time at 10.50pm and asked them to drink up, Stephen Davies, prosecuting, told Herefordshire magistrates.

He repeated the request and Toman became abusive before Mr Jameson removed their glasses.

He then barred Toman, who headbutted a window, breaking the glass, and punched Mr Jameson in the face. He needed three stitches and suffered damage to his tooth and gums.

In mitigation, Rebecca Edwards said Toman, 24, had only been before the courts on one previous occasion and blamed alcohol for the over-reaction.

"He has given considerable thought to his behaviour. He is being much more careful about his alcohol consumption," said Miss Edmonds.

Magistrates said they had seriously considered sending Toman to prison but took into account his guilty plea to causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage. He also asked his girlfriend to go to the pub the following day to offer to pay for the window.

He was given a 160-hour community punishment order and told to pay Mr Jameson £600 compensation and £55 costs.